LEZ: what should you do if your car no longer meets the standard?

You have three options for travelling in an LEZ (low emission zone) if your car does not meet the required standards:

1. buy a daily pass (maximum 8 times a year) or pay the administrative fine
2. opt for another mode of transport to complete your journey
3. buy a vehicle that meets the standards

For exceptional use of a non-standard vehicle in an LEZ, there is also the option of entering using a pass. This daily pass for vehicles that should not be allowed in the LEZ, which costs €35, can be activated a maximum of 8 times per year. Otherwise, you will have to pay the fee or fine. However, there are exceptions, especially for disabled persons. Please note that a number of steps are required to register in this case.

If you do not have a permit or exemption, you should leave your car at the edge of the zone, ideally in a P+R car park. This means that the car park is adjacent to a metro, tram or bus station. You can then continue your journey by public transport. There is also the option of taking advantage of a car sharing service or renting a car that meets the standards for your travel inside the LEZ.

If your budget allows, or if you really need to, you can buy a car that complies with the rules of the LEZ(s) where you regularly travel. Be sure to choose a model that not only meets the accepted limit standards, but also those that will come into effect in the future (minimum 5 years). Cities and regions have generally announced their restrictions schedule for the next 10 years. If you can't find a new vehicle in time, many pre-owned models are still within the accepted LEZ standards.

Due to the implementation of the ban for Euro 4 diesel vehicles from 1 January 2022 in Brussels, there is a tolerance until 31st March for these vehicles, in order to allow everyone to adapt or change cars. The fine for Euro 4 diesels will only be imposed from 1 April, but from 1 January for the other categories already prohibited in 2021.